YouTube Money Sparked Actor-Producer Boom — Biodun Stephen

Nigerian filmmaker and director Biodun Stephen has opened up on the recent surge of actors turning to film production, pointing to the financial appeal of YouTube as a major driver.

In a recent interview, she noted that the platform once offered substantial earnings, prompting many actors to take on the role of producers.

The award-winning filmmaker also explained that while the initial attraction was largely financial, the industry has evolved as creators now understand the commercial power of their fan bases.

She, however, emphasised that her personal motivation for storytelling has always been about impact, not just profit.

She said:

"If you talk about actors going into film production in the past few years, it's caused by the YouTube invasion and there was quite a chunk of money in YouTube. It was like a big money ritual, but it isn't the same anymore."

"For me, it's about why you are doing it. It's a massive space and the environment is massive for everybody to fly without touching each other."

"I tell stories because I think I can change lives, which is very important to me. I came to that realisation in 2011 when I understood that story was powerful, and the onus is on me to change a life one story at a time."

"If I'm to answer why there is an influx of producers, I will say YouTube money is good. People now understand the power of conversion, by that I mean having a huge fan base."